Unfortunately, many of us will have a run-in with the law at some point in our lives. It could be a minor offence or something more serious. It could be something you’ve done or you might be completely innocent and fighting to prove that.
Regardless of what your situation might be, there are a few important things anyone would need to do when dealing with legal trouble, appearing in court and fighting to win over a jury.
Here are some important steps to follow.
Find a Lawyer
First and foremost, you need professional help right away. Finding the right lawyer for you and your case is crucial, and you’ll want to try your best to find someone who specialises in the issue you’re dealing with. For example, attorneys from Steve Rice Law in Chambersburg specialise in criminal defence which would be helpful in a DUI case or something similar.
You’ll also want to make sure that your lawyer is experienced and someone that you trust.
Mind Your Mouth
With the help of your lawyer, you’ll need to make sure that you don’t incriminate yourself any further by the things you say or do. Try to be more aware of the things you say and how they might affect you in a legal sense.
A good lawyer will be able to explain to you how certain things you say might be damaging to your case. Even something as simple as apologising could incriminate you and be seen as you admitting guilt or fault. You have the right to remain silent and it’s usually best to take advantage of that!
Gather Evidence
Of course, in order to win your case, you and your lawyer will need sufficient evidence of your innocence. Try to carefully record everything that happens or has happened related to your case.
The evidence you need to collect will obviously differ depending on what type of case you are involved in. Try to keep documents and photographs, note down dates and times of any incidents, records of conversations (especially text messages) and contact details of witnesses. Witnesses are often one of the best ways to prove something in court.
Manage Your Stress
Going through a legal skirmish is stressful, and it’s important to develop healthy coping mechanisms during this period. Allowing the stress, worry and anxiety to take over can be damaging to your physical and mental health, as well as make it harder for you to present yourself in court.
Find strategies to manage your emotions like talking about your problems with loved ones, meditating, exercising, spending time on a hobby you enjoy, etc. You will also need to focus on taking care of your body – sleep well, eat a balanced diet and try to incorporate exercise. These will all help you feel a little more sane.
While facing the law is never fun or easy, it can be handled and managed and you can make it through to the other side if you have the right help and know how to handle yourself.